Famous Canadian Playwrights

Emma Donoghue is a versatile Irish-Canadian creative professional acclaimed for her work as a playwright, literary historian, novelist, and screenwriter. She gained widespread recognition for her novel Room, a finalist for the Booker Prize and a best-seller globally. Her novels Hood and Slammerkin received prestigious literary awards, showcasing her talent and diversity in storytelling. Donoghue's successful adaptation of Room into a film further solidified her reputation, earning her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay.

Peter Wildeblood was a prominent figure in the UK as a journalist, novelist, playwright, and gay rights campaigner. He played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, being among the first to openly acknowledge his homosexuality. Wildeblood's work in journalism and literature helped shed light on the struggles faced by gay men in a society that was largely intolerant at the time. His contributions to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights have left a lasting impact on the movement.

Ann-Marie MacDonald is a versatile Canadian professional known for her work as a playwright, author, actress, and broadcast host. She has made significant contributions to the arts industry, particularly in Toronto, Ontario, where she resides. Her plays have been well-received, and her writing showcases her talent and creativity. As an actress, MacDonald has showcased her skills on various platforms, and her work as a broadcast host has further solidified her presence in the entertainment world.

Robertson Davies was a renowned Canadian novelist, playwright, critic, journalist, and professor. He was widely recognized as one of Canada's most prominent and beloved authors, known for his literary contributions and intellectual prowess. Davies held the esteemed position of the founding Master of Massey College, a graduate residential college affiliated with the University of Toronto. Throughout his career, he embraced the title of a distinguished "man of letters," signifying his deep commitment to the written word and his significant impact on the literary world.

Hiro Kanagawa is a highly accomplished Japanese-Canadian actor, playwright, and voice-over artist based in Vancouver, British Columbia. With a prolific career in film and television, he has showcased his talent in popular productions such as The X-Files, Smallville, and Altered Carbon. Kanagawa's versatility extends to voice acting, notably as Gihren Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam. As a playwright, he has received prestigious awards for works like Indian Arm. His impressive professional journey includes multiple nominations for the Leo Awards, solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted and talented artist.

Mavis Gallant was a Canadian writer known for her work as a short story writer, novelist, playwright, and essayist. Spending a significant portion of her life and career in France, she made a name for herself in literary circles. Her writing showcased a keen observation of human nature and explored themes of displacement, identity, and belonging. Gallant's body of work includes a wide range of genres, demonstrating her versatility and skill as a writer. She left a lasting impact on the literary world with her insightful and thought-provoking storytelling.

Bernard Slade was a prolific Canadian playwright and screenwriter known for his successful works in both television and theater. His notable contributions include creating the beloved sitcoms The Flying Nun and The Partridge Family as a screenwriter. In the realm of theater, he penned popular plays such as Same Time, Next Year, Tribute, and Romantic Comedy, which were later adapted into successful films. Slade's talent was recognized with prestigious award nominations, including a Tony Award nomination for Same Time, Next Year, and an Oscar nomination for his screen adaptation work.

Mazo de la Roche was a Canadian writer known for creating the Jalna novels, a highly successful series that captivated readers during her time. Her work on the Jalna series earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a prominent figure in the literary world. Through her storytelling, de la Roche demonstrated a keen ability to craft engaging narratives that resonated with audiences, solidifying her reputation as a talented and prolific writer. Her contributions to literature continue to be celebrated for their enduring popularity and literary merit.

Robert Lepage is a prominent Canadian playwright, actor, film director, and stage director known for his innovative and boundary-pushing work in the arts. He has gained international acclaim for his visually stunning and intellectually stimulating productions that often blend technology with traditional storytelling techniques. Lepage's diverse career has seen him create groundbreaking plays, critically acclaimed films, and visually captivating stage productions that have solidified his reputation as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation.

Douglas Coupland is a prominent Canadian novelist, designer, and visual artist known for popularizing the terms Generation X and McJob through his bestseller Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture. He has authored numerous novels, short story collections, non-fiction books, and works for film and television. Coupland is a respected columnist for publications like the Financial Times and has exhibited his art at prestigious galleries worldwide. He is also recognized for his contributions to Canadian literature, having been nominated for various prestigious literary awards.

Ins Choi is a Korean Canadian actor and playwright renowned for his notable work in the entertainment industry. With his Dora Mavor Moore Award-nominated play "Kim's Convenience" in 2011, Choi gained widespread recognition. He further solidified his success with the subsequent television adaptation of the play. Graduating from York University's esteemed theatre program, Choi's professional journey showcases his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts, making him a respected figure in both the theatrical and television realms.

Lisa Codrington is a Canadian character actress and playwright known for her versatile talents in both television and theater. Her portrayal of Gail on the popular comedy series Letterkenny has garnered her recognition among audiences. As a playwright, Codrington has received prestigious accolades for her works, including Cast Iron, a nominee for the Governor General's Award for English-language drama, and Up the Garden Path, which clinched the Carol Bolt Award. Her contributions to the Canadian entertainment industry showcase her creativity and skill in storytelling across different mediums.

Marie-Claire Blais was a prolific Canadian writer, known for her contributions to various literary genres such as novels, plays, poetry, and fiction. Over her seventy-year career, she produced a diverse body of work including novels like La Belle Bête and The Manuscripts of Pauline Archange, as well as the ten-volume series Soifs. Blais garnered recognition for her talent, receiving awards such as the Governor General's literary prize for French-Canadian literature multiple times and the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for creative arts.

Don Harron was a versatile Canadian entertainer known for his work as a comedian, actor, director, journalist, author, playwright, and composer. He gained recognition in the United States for his role as Charlie Farquharson on the popular country music series Hee Haw. Harron's career spanned various facets of the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent and creativity across different mediums. His contributions to comedy and entertainment left a lasting impact on audiences, solidifying his legacy as a multi-talented performer.

Mariko Tamaki is a Canadian artist and writer renowned for her work in graphic novels and prose fiction. She has authored popular graphic novels such as Skim, Emiko Superstar, and This One Summer, along with various fiction and non-fiction works. In 2016, her talent led her to start writing for leading comic book publishers Marvel and DC Comics. Notably, she has been recognized as a runner-up for the prestigious Michael L. Printz Award twice, showcasing her exceptional storytelling abilities and contributions to the literary and comic book worlds.

Gratien Gélinas was a prolific Canadian writer, playwright, actor, director, producer, and administrator. He is celebrated as a key figure in the development of modern Canadian theatre and film. Gélinas' major works, such as Tit-Coq, Bousille et les Justes, and Hier, les enfants dansaient, showcased his talent for storytelling. He also created the popular satirical revues known as the Fridolinades, featuring the iconic character Fridolin. Gélinas founded the influential Comédie-Canadienne and received numerous prestigious awards in recognition of his significant contributions to Canadian culture.

Antonine Maillet is an accomplished Acadian novelist, playwright, and scholar known for her significant contributions to literature. Hailing from Bouctouche, New Brunswick, Canada, she has made a lasting impact through her works. Maillet's writing showcases her deep understanding of Acadian culture and history, earning her recognition and acclaim. Her diverse body of work reflects her versatility as a writer, with a focus on storytelling that resonates with audiences. Through her literary endeavors, Maillet has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of French-language literature.

Alden Nowlan was a prominent Canadian poet, novelist, and playwright known for his profound contributions to literature. His works encompassed a wide range of themes, reflecting his deep understanding of human nature and society. Nowlan's writing was characterized by its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and poignant storytelling. Through his poetry, novels, and plays, he explored themes of love, loss, identity, and societal issues, leaving a lasting impact on Canadian literary landscape with his insightful and thought-provoking works.

William Ormond Mitchell was a prominent Canadian writer and broadcaster. He is best known for his novel "Who Has Seen the Wind," a beloved portrayal of life on the Canadian Prairies through the eyes of a young boy. The novel achieved significant success, selling nearly a million copies in Canada. Additionally, Mitchell made a mark as a broadcaster with his radio series "Jake and the Kid," which aired on CBC Radio and also explored themes of Prairie life. Mitchell's work continues to be celebrated for its poignant depiction of Canadian landscapes and characters.

Ron Sparks is a versatile Canadian entertainer known for his work as a comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He has made a name for himself as an alternative comedian and is a popular figure on CBC Radio's The Debaters. Sparks has also gained recognition for his role as a regular and beloved juror on MuchMusic's hit show, Video on Trial. Additionally, he has showcased his talent as The Judge in the Stars on Trial Christmas special and has been involved in various other Video on Trial spin-offs.

Charles Heavysege, a Canadian poet and dramatist, made significant contributions to the Canadian literary scene as one of the earliest poets to be published in the country. He gained recognition for his notable work, particularly the critically acclaimed play "Saul." His professional life was characterized by a dedication to his craft, with a focus on producing impactful and thought-provoking literary works that resonated with audiences. Heavysege's influence on Canadian literature continues to be celebrated for its innovation and artistic merit.

Michel Côté was a renowned Canadian actor from Quebec known for his exceptional performances in various films, including Cruising Bar, Life After Love (La vie après l'amour), and C.R.A.Z.Y. He also garnered acclaim for his role in the theatrical show Broue and the television series Omertà. Throughout his career, Côté showcased versatility and talent, captivating audiences with his compelling portrayals. His contributions to the entertainment industry solidified his reputation as a highly respected and talented actor in the Canadian and international film and television scene.

Steven Shehori is a versatile and accomplished Canadian writer, director, journalist, playwright, actor, author, and comedian. He has a rich history of contributions to various prestigious platforms like Vulture, The Huffington Post, and The A.V. Club. Shehori is known for his satirical musical comedy and groundbreaking interviews. He has an extensive background in writing for national awards shows, producing comedy galas, and creating original content for television. Shehori's diverse talents have been showcased in podcasts, stand-up comedy, satire sites, and live shows, making a significant impact on the entertainment industry.

Constance Lindsay Skinner was a prominent Canadian writer, critic, historian, and editor. She is best recognized for her pivotal role in conceiving the Rivers of America Series for Farrar & Rinehart, a significant contribution to American literature. Skinner's professional life was marked by her dedication to showcasing American history and culture through her writings and editorial work. Her expertise and passion for storytelling influenced a generation of readers and writers, solidifying her legacy as a key figure in the literary world.

James Reaney was a prominent Canadian poet, playwright, librettist, and professor known for his unique ability to transform small-town Ontario life into the realm of dream and symbol. He achieved significant recognition in the literary world by winning Canada's highest literary award, the Governor General's Award, three times. Reaney's contributions to both poetry and drama were highly acclaimed, earning him multiple Governor General's Awards for Poetry or Drama. Through his works, he left a lasting impact on Canadian literature and the arts community.

Matheson Lang was a versatile Canadian-born actor and playwright known for his significant contributions to the world of theatre and film. He achieved fame for his portrayal of key characters in William Shakespeare's iconic plays such as Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Hamlet. Considered one of the pioneering theatre stars, Lang made his mark by transitioning to the world of cinema in 1916. His talent and dedication to the craft solidified his reputation as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Martha Chaves is a versatile Nicaraguan-Canadian comedian, actress, activist, and playwright. She is known for her multilingual standup performances in English, Spanish, French, and Italian, entertaining audiences across Canada, the United States, and Latin America. A regular at major comedy festivals like Just for Laughs, she also features on CBC Radio. Since publicly coming out in 2009, Chaves advocates for the LGBT community and humorously shares her experiences as a gay person of color in Canada. Her talent has earned her accolades, including the Canadian Comedy Award for Best Standup Comic in 2017.